Rochester to potentially extend liquor sales

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The city of Rochester is considering extending liquor sales from 1 to 2 a.m.

On Wednesday, city leaders discussed the possibility of extending these liquor sales, and the effects that may have on the community.

Currently, eight businesses in the Rochester area have licenses to sell liquor until 2 a.m., but the city is considering allowing more bars and restaurants the chance to sell liquor until that time as well.

Deputy city clerk Christiaan Cartwright said the extra hour could result in an economic boost, adding how, for one business, 25% of liquor sales occur during the 1 to 2 a.m. hour. Cartwright said this extension may open the door for more bars to begin operating in Rochester.

However, the city is also considering the negatives that this extension may have on the community.

Council member Patrick Keane said the extension, while creating valuable entertainment, could pose problems.

"We should be doing all we can to not have that kind of stuff," Keane said. "But I think that really flies in the face of doing business in Rochester and trying to draw business to Rochester."

For now, City Council will be holding off on the issue, and will resume those conversations in 2025, when four new council members can add to the conversation.